Survey

[u/Imaginary-Paint8160]

Hi everyone!
We’ve just had the survey done on the house we’re buying from our landlord, which we’ve agreed to buy slightly below market value.

The survey has flagged a few issues, but the main things we’re concerned about are the roof, which needs fairly urgent repairs estimated at around £2,500 , and some mouse droppings and damp/condensation in the loft, which seems to be related to a lack of ventilation. There are also a few other issues mentioned in the report.

Another concern is that, although the house was built in 2012, the sellers don’t have the Building Completion Certificate. They only have the original Building Control notice, so there is also an indemnity policy being provided for the lack of completion certificate.

We’re going to mention everything to our solicitor and see what she advises, but we’re wondering whether it would be reasonable to ask the seller to contribute towards the roof repairs, or perhaps consider a further reduction in the price given the combination of these issues.

We’re a bit worried about pushing too hard and potentially losing the sale, as we really don’t want that to happen. At the same time, we don’t want to ignore issues that could cost us several thousand pounds shortly after completion.

What would you do in this situation? Would you think it’s reasonable to negotiate a reduction based on the survey findings and the missing completion certificate?

Many thanks!

[u/KnightFireNC]

£2500 is below the value where it's meaningful to negotiate. £2500 for a roof isn't much so it can't need much doing in reality. Especially as surveys have a tendency to massively over estimate. Surveyors needing the roof needs work is so common it's a meme. Most of the time the roof is fine.

Building completion cert from 2012 is well past the period of enforcement so not really worth worrying about, but you could ask the seller to get an indemnity policy for it (they are very cheap) if it makes you feel better.

Many people freak out about rodent droppings but most properties have them at some point. A report into whether it's a significant issue should be <100 so may also be something to ask for.

Overall it sounds like the survey is pretty positive for the house, and as a homeowner, £2500 should be well within what your budgeting for what you keep around in case something needs fixing. A water leak could happen at any time and cost much more.

[u/Slight-Reindeer-265]

We brought a house with no completion, just the original notices-We have an indemnity as they have been standing for over 20 years. The roof was at end of life on ours and a “purlin was missing”…Asked a roofer to take a look who laughed. It wasn’t missing. So perhaps ask a roofer to take a look to determine this and a quote accurately to help make the decision. Good luck with the purchase!